Preview: Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd Test

When Pakistan finally got the better of Australia in the recent T20s, many felt that there was finally some light at the end of their long, dark tunnel. However, with another crushing loss in the first test at Lord's, Pakistan cricket has once again sunk into chaos, confusion and turmoil. Their 150 run loss was their 13th on the trot in Tests against the Aussies and the question that will be asked by everybody is: Can Pakistan defeat Australia in Test cricket?

With the current state of the team, the answer seems to be a big NO. The inconsistent batting of the Pakistanis has been the major factor behind their poor run in Test cricket. Following the acrimonious exits of Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, the batting line-up looks fragile. Even the presence of the Akmal brothers is not giving confidence to the squad.

The events after the first Test captured more headlines than the match itself, mainly because of Shahid Afridi. The dramatic announcement of his retirement, following his comeback into the Test squad after four years, is symbolic of the confusion reigning in the team. Following his two irresponsible dismissals which made purists cringe, he later on stated that he did not have the temperament for this format. So, Pakistan will have their 14th captain in 18 years in the form of Salman Butt for the second Test.

The debutants Umar Amin and Azhar Ali performed below expectations. Barring Salman Butt, the other Pakistani batsman looked vulnerable against the Aussies. The bowlers - Gul, Asif and Aamer - were brilliant in helpful conditions, but were found wanting in the second half when conditions improved considerably. These three will once again be the key in Headingley, where overcast conditions are expected once again.

Australia have fewer problems to deal with, but there are certain areas of concern. Ricky Ponting has been woeful with the bat this summer while Doug Bollinger and Mitchell Johnson have also struggled. An injury concern to Hilfenhaus makes him doubtful for Leeds. This gives a chance for somebody like Peter George or Steve O'Keefe to make their mark. However, with the part-timers doing so much damage, who needs the quicks?

Simon Katich was the star at Lords and his batting will be the difference between both sides. He and Watson have the potential to be the next Hayden and Langer, but Watson has struggled to get going on this tour. However, his maiden five wicket haul will boost his confidence and ensure that he ends the tour on a high. The rest of the batting line-up looked stable but they were nowhere close to their dominating best. Usman Khawaja, the only Muslim player to be selected for Australia, may find it hard to be selected for the match, but with the batting not clicking, some changes could be made.

Headingley has always had results. Looking at the form of both these teams, it looks to be another clean sweep for the Aussies. This would be Australia's fifth consecutive whitewash over Pakistan. Leeds provides an ideal platform to both teams for a new beginning. For Australia, they can sign off the summer in style and gather some confidence ahead of the Ashes in November. For Pakistan, a win over the Aussies will shatter this nightmare run and give them new hope ahead of their series against an equally tough England team at the end of the month.

Numbers Game:

13: Definitely the unluckiest number for Pakistan. They have now lost 13 consecutive Tests on the trot to Australia. The last time they won a Test against Australia was 15 years ago at the SCG.

46: Number of runs needed by Ricky Ponting to reach 12000 test runs. He will be the second person to reach that landmark after Sachin Tendulkar.

Sound Bytes:

The important thing is that we have to give ourselves and the youngsters time and at the same time work hard - Salman Butt, the new Pakistan skipper stating that Pakistan have to work harder if they have to build a formidable test unit.

I haven't put too much pressure on myself. I've just tried to enjoy each Test match and I make sure that I win Test matches for the country - Simon Katich, the Man of the Match at Lords, talks about his remarkable consistency in tests during the last year.